An extremist group has sent a letter threatening Egyptian satellite channel ONTV, saying it plans to attack its studios and demolish its facilities.

The group, calling itself the Movement for Jihad and Purging the Country, also threatened to kidnap a number of media hosts who work at the channel, including Yosri Fouda, Reem Maged and Youssef al-Husseiny, saying it would demand LE20 million in ransom.

The group also threatened the publicity company that the channel deals with, in a bid to pressure the company to stop dealing with the channel.

ONTV is a private satellite TV channel owned by the Coptic businessman Naguib Sawiris, who has previously provoked the wrath of some Muslims by expressing political and religious stances on different occasions.

The channel is known for its criticism of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.